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Caring Matters E-Bulletin | February 2025 |
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"You don’t have to do it alone. There’s so much help out there" |
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In the 1980s Liana’s husband suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident and over time his cognitive and intellectual functioning significantly deteriorated. Together they were taken on an emotional rollercoaster.
Liana shares that, "It's been emotional…a lot of grieving. I love my husband very much and we have always wanted to grow old together and suddenly it was just here. We've been together for 16 years, and then suddenly, that time was on us."
To read more click here.
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Hundreds of Carers Are Writing to Their MP and It’s Working! |
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Wow! What a huge response we have already had with over 500 people writing in to their local MP to ensure that carers are prioritised at the upcoming WA State Election.
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed - it’s working! We have already had our first official response which we have published on our website.
Don’t miss out on your chance to help put the pressure on. Here's what we're asking for:
To write to your MP using our quick and easy template click here. |
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Northam : Cuppa and Art Workshop
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Carers WA invites you to come share a cuppa with other carers and enjoy an easy watercolour art activity. Connect or reconnect with your creative side as artist Michelle Penny guides you
step-by-step to create your own watercolour artwork.
When: Thursday, 27th February | 10.00am - 1.00pm
Where: Dome Northam
Cost: Free
To register your interest click here . |
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Perth : Carer Representative Orientation |
Use your experience as a carer to stand up for, and represent the voice of carers in your community. Benefits of the Carer Representation Program include the opportunity to meet and discuss issues with other carers, learn new skills, develop confidence, make a real difference to the way carers are treated in the health and mental health systems – and so much more!
Attend our upcoming Carer Representative Orientation, a half-day information session, which shows how your lived experience can influence change.
When Monday, 17th February 2024 | 9.30am - 1.30pm
Where: 182 Lord Street, Perth (Online option for regional carers)
Cost: Free
To register your interest click here.
Please complete the RSVP form by Monday, 10th February 2025.
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Sorrento: Free Coastal Trishaw Rides
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Motion by the Ocean are offering morning coastal trishaw rides leaving from Sorrento Surf Lifesaving Club every morning.
This free initiative allows carers and support workers to ride with your own supported people or loved ones.
To book a ride click here.
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Mirrabooka : Free Legal Education |
Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre are holding legal education sessions throughout the year.
All sessions are from 9:30am - 10:30am at 10 Cobbler Place, Mirrabooka.
3rd February: Preventing Financial Abuse14th February: Renting Rights & Responsibilities21st February: Grandparent’s Rights
To book, please email training@nsclegal.org.au or call 9440 1663. |
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Carer Representation Updates |
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News and Updates for Carer Representatives |
If you are one of our registered Carer Representatives don't forget to mark these dates in your diary for upcoming meetings:
Wednesday, 5th February 2025
Monday, 10th February 2025
Wednesday, 5th February 2025
We've also added a number of new vacancies. You can browse all available vacancies on our website here.
For those interested in finding out more or becoming a Carer Representative please register your interest for our upcoming orientation or contact carer.rep@carerswa.asn.au.
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National Carer Strategy Announced
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On 10th December 2024, the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, released the National Carer Strategy 2024-2034.
The Strategy delivers a national agenda to support Australia’s unpaid carers and will guide how the government can improve support for carers now, and into the future.
We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all the carers from WA who were involved in the consultations to inform the Strategy.
It is a positive step towards improving awareness of carers including:
- their roles
- the impacts of supporting others
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availability of carer supports and services
To find out more click here. |
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Thank you to everyone who consulted with Carers WA on our response to the draft National Autism Strategy where we included some important recommendations for the inclusion of carers in the National Autism Strategy.
Carers of people with autism report higher levels of psychological distress, loneliness, and dissatisfaction with their caring role than most other carers. However, they have instrumental roles in the lives of those they care for and must be supported to continue providing care in a healthy manner.
Useful resource: The Nation Autism Strategy Explained
The final Strategy was announced on the Tuesday, 14th January 2025.
To find out more click here. |
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EOIs now open for the 2025-2027 Carers WA Policy Working Group |
Carers WA is seeking expressions of interest from carers and former carers for the 2025-2027 membership term of the Carers WA Policy Working Group.
The Carers WA Policy Working Group is a carer reference group which provides a forum for group members to discuss and provide input into Carers WA’s systemic policy work.
Nominations are being sought for up to 8 group members, for a two-year term, running from
March 2025 - March 2027.
Members will meet four times per year. Carers are paid for their attendance and participation in this working group.
For more information, including the position description, terms of reference and code of conduct click here.
The EOI will close on the Friday, 28th February 2025.
To nominate or discuss your interest in the Group, please contact Carers WA’s systemic policy team at policy@carerswa.asn.au. |
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Did you know that there is a survey page on the Carers WA website available for your use. By participating in these surveys, you're contributing to vital research and assisting systemic advocacy which shapes policies that directly affect carers. |
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Share Your Unpaid Care Contributions with the ABS
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The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is expanding the data it collects to improve estimates on the total hours spent on unpaid care and their monetary value. These new measures will improve the visibility of the contribution of unpaid care to society and the economy.
This survey is open until Friday, 28th February 2025.
To complete the survey click here. |
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Paid Survey – Parents/Carers of Teenagers
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Positive Choices are looking for parents of teenagers to complete an online survey and provide input on their online evidence-based Australian drug education portal.
The survey will take between 20 to 30 minutes and for participating, you’ll receive a $20 Prezzee gift voucher. 🎁
To complete the survey click here. |
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Feeling the pressure to set big New Year’s resolutions? You’re not alone. But setting realistic and achievable goals can make all the difference.
If you are someone that wants to look at setting goals for the year, we have put together a list of how to set realistic goals and what that could look like in your situation.
To read the full article click here. |
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Hoyts are offering carers an adult ticket for $1.10 (maximum of 1 ticket per day) when accompanying the person they care for to the cinema.
All carers wishing to take up this offer must produce their state or territory Carers Association Card or any other card with government recognised carer identification, such as a Healthcare Card or Centrelink Pension Card.
To find out more click here. |
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Pride In-Person Peer Support Groups |
Whether you're a carer in the LGBTQIA+ community or care for someone who is, this supportive space is designed for you.
When: 2nd Thursday of every
month | 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Where: The Palms Business Centre | Cnr Nicholson Rd and Rockeby Road, Subiaco
To find out more click here or email IPPS@carerswa.asn.au |
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New In-Person Peer Support Groups |
Introducing our new IPPS groups.
- Joondalup Parent Carers
- Maylands YOD & Dementia
- Thornlie YOD & Dementia
- Online for Carers of Neurodiverse Children
IPPS groups enable carers to share experiences and build a support network in a safe space.
To find out more click here or email IPPS@carerswa.asn.au
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New Linking Together Group York
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A Linking Together Social Support Group is launching in York on 11th February. This is a great opportunity to take a well-deserved break, meet fellow carers, and connect with your local community.
When: 2nd Tuesday of every
month | 10.00 am – 11.30 am
Where: The Imperial York
To find out more click here.
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As carers, we often prioritise the needs of others, putting our own needs on hold.
Carer Coaching offers you the chance to identify your own personal goals and help find a balance between your needs and the needs of those you care for.
To find out more click here. |
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Carer Gateway Online Community Forum |
The Carer Gateway online community forum gives carers a safe, moderated space to come together and ask questions, share advice and experiences and gain emotional support.
You can read through previous discussions, start a new discussion topic or add to an existing discussion.
To find out more click here.
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Young Carer School Holiday Programs |
Our Young Carer School Holiday program kicked off with a bang in December with an outing to the Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm.
Young carers enjoyed a day out just for them with opportunities to feed the animals, have their face painted and make new friends.
During January, they set sail on a Pirate Ship, visited Bounce, created their own clay artworks, and more.
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Qantas Expands Carer Concession Card Program
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From 28th January 2025, Qantas is enhancing the Qantas Carer Concession Card (QCCC) program as part of their commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
With this expansion, carers can now:
- Enjoy a 30% discount on all domestic and regional base fares
- Access discounted fares across all cabins, including sale fares
To find out more click here. |
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Updated Palliative Care Booklets Now Available |
Palliative Caring: A guide for those caring for someone with a life-limiting illness or condition.
To download click here
My Palliative Care: Support and information for individuals receiving
To download click here
If you would like hard copies of the booklets, please contact
Palliative Care WA on 1300 551 704 or info@palliativecarewa.asn.au
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Fake Information about Centrelink Payments
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There have been misleading claims circulating regarding bonus Centrelink payments, including
the "$4,100 One-Time Centrelink Payment." These false claims, propagated by scammers, are not genuine and are intended to deceive carers.
Carers are encouraged to stay safe by remembering:
The only official websites are servicesaustralia.gov.au and my.gov.au.
If you're unsure about something you’ve seen, visit the official website or reach out
to Centrelink directly.
To find out more click here. |
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If you are feeling overwhelmed or are seeking help with mental or emotional stress, we encourage you to contact Australia's helpline specialists that operate 24/7, built to support everyone, all year round. |
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Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service:
1300 659 467 Immediate Risk of Harm:
Triple Zero (000) |
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| Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737 (8.00am - 5.00pm)
Carers WA: 1300 227 377 (8.30am - 4.30pm)
Carers Association of Western Australian Incorporated.
182 Lord Street, Perth WA 6000 |
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